The Women’s Initiative for Startups and Entrepreneurship (WISE) Innovation Challenge is a programme that supports women startups in the Mekong Region, and there is less than a week left to register, so hurry!

With only 13% of women-led startups receiving early-stage investment funds, there is a growing need to assist women in realising their ideas and growing their businesses. The WISE Women
Innovation Challenge offers women-led startups the opportunity to showcase innovations, gain mentorship advice, have access to investment and market opportunities.

Shortlisted applicants can look forward to US$5,000 worth of WISE acceleration support and all finalists will receive seed funding of between US$10,000 and US$20,000 and a 3-month acceleration package from Hatch!Venture. The two winners will have an opportunity to join a 1-week acceleration programme in Switzerland and win US$10,000 and US$5,000 for the first and second winner respectively.

Even if not shortlisted, entrants will still have a chance to be invited to WISE’s training and mentorship programmes, networking events and receive support in marketing and communication. So what are you waiting for? Apply now if you are:

A women-led startup, or a startup with a woman founder;

A startup that has operated for less than 5 years;

Applicants from either Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar or Vietnam;

Have a prototype product or service (does not need not be sold to the market yet);

Preferably English proficient (not mandatory)

The WISE Innovation Challenge will accelerate women’s innovative solutions, facilitate cross-border knowledge and technology in the Mekong Region, connect the local and regional ecosystem players, and provide resources to potential women-led businesses. Register here before May 15!